k.d. lang - Live by Request

k.d. lang has spent her eccentric career pitching between twin poles of desire--torch (jazz/blues) and twang (retro country), and artistry and flamboyance. On Live by Request, she revisits the best of her shimmering repertoire, from her rough-edged cowpunk days to her current gossamer soundscape. But at the start of the set, recorded December 2000 at John Jay College of Criminal Justice at the City University of New York, she threatens to diminish her own impact with a lumpy, rushed rendition of "Summerfling" and a cartoonish version of "Big Boned Gal." Soon, however, she settles down to do what she does best, which is seduction. While a way-too-melodramatic arrangement spoils "Don't Smoke in Bed," she goes on to bring goose-bump intimacy to "The Consequences of Falling" and "Constant Craving," one of popular music's most aching songs of longing laid bare. By the time she turns her exquisite soprano to the howling chorus of "Barefoot," the earth doesn't just move, Ernest, it trembles--a prelude to the staggeringly emotional affect of "Pullin' Back the Reins." When she gets to that one, don't be surprised if your stereo starts to smoke. --Alanna Nash Amazon.com

Great as usual

I really enjoy this CD. The choice of songs is wonderful and very typical k d lang. I highly recommend it. April 9, 2008

Love is Simple

As part of the A&E Network's "Live By Request" series, KD Lang did a standout show shortly after the "Invincible Summer" album was released. In contrast the that album's fussy electronic music, "Live By Request" shows Lang in her element, live and surrounded by a competent ensemble. Opening with an energetic "Summerfling" from the "Invincible Summer" CD, the tightly played version here shows why the studio album sounded congested and compressed. There's a more human element here, and it absolutely sparkles in comparison.

"Live By Request" is filled with such musically joyous moments. Lang veers from the playful "Big Boned Gal" of her earlier country days to the eventual chanteuse of the terrific "Constant Craving." But nothing here beats her stunning interpretive chops of Roy Orbison's "Crying" and Peggy Lee's "Don't Smoke In Bed." The torchiness of Lang's voice in transcendental on these songs, and carries into the better of the originals, as well.

Those moments are best represented by "Barefoot" and "Simple," which take on life that they didn't previously have on their studio versions. (Lang even conceded the point by re-recording simple for "Hymns of the 49th Parallel,") Her voice remains a wonder to listen to, be it the teasing of "Miss Chatelaine" or the belting of "Trail of Broken Hearts." She has always managed to surround herself with strong material, and this live album of greatest hits (in a sense) is a showcase for her vocal prowess. As such, there are few others out there that match the talent of KD Lang.
August 28, 2007

Great CD by k.d. lang

I enjoyed this tape of hers so much. A co-worker(my supervisor)is also a fan of k.d. lang. When I was on vacation, she borrowed my cd and said it was the best one so far.....I agree. k.d. lang will be performing LIVE out here and on my supervisors birthday...so I bought a second one for her and we will be going to her concert!!! July 5, 2007

BETTER THAN COFFEE AND CIGARETTES

I've owned this album since its release several years ago. Been a k.d. fan for years, even back when she was Country. I listen to this album while painting or roadtripping. Played it recently on a long 3 hour drive, and it still moves me. Her raw and bold vocals are amazing, especially on the Roy Orbison ballad, Crying, and at the very end of Three Cigarettes. I practically hold my breath while listening to these songs because they are so breath-taking.

She is such a versatile singer, and this album is the first to offer up a little of every genre that she has become a part of. There are the whimsical country tunes from her Nashville days, the slow country twang ballads you never hear anymore, the moody jazz lounge numbers that she treats us to every once in a while, and the soulful folk music that only k.d. can do right.

True k.d. fans have probably added this one to their collection long ago. If you are new to Ms. Lang, this is an excellent CD to start with. You will get addicted! April 26, 2007

knocked my socks off!

Wow, was I impressed. I've heard songs by k d lang before and always appreciated her range and ability to get so deep into the emotions of her songs. I just spent an hour mezmerized by k d lang in her dvd "live by Request".
As a former performer I can appreciate the nuances her voice takes on, but watching her perform, (while she'll never be a great on stage "presence" as far as connecting with her audience in conversational aspects)like many other artists, she doesn't need to! She had the folks in the audience alternately jumping to their feet in standing ovations or absolutely silent in their respect for her voice and her style, which is the greatest applause an audience can give. She gave me chills.
There's a song from years ago something about artists want to sing and singers want to dance and dancers want to yak, yak, yak! The author says, don't talk, just sing!
That's more than enough for me. I am awed by her talent.
May she continue to "knock my socks off"! December 8, 2005

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